Red Tide Concerns in Southwest Florida Intensify Post-Hurricane Milton
ENGLEWOOD, FL – The aftermath of Hurricane Milton has brought additional challenges to Southwest Florida’s beaches, with new reports indicating a surge in red tide blooms along the Gulf Coast. The storm, which ravaged parts of the region earlier this month, stirred up coastal waters and may have contributed to nutrient runoff—factors known to intensify red tide conditions. Englewood and other beach communities are now experiencing the effects, with local businesses, residents, and environmental agencies scrambling to address the dual impacts of hurricane recovery and toxic algal blooms.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently detected elevated levels of Karenia brevis, the organism responsible for red tide, in Sarasota and Charlotte counties. As winds and currents spread the toxic algae, residents report intensified respiratory issues, fish kills, and discolored waters. For many, these symptoms bring back memories of previous severe red tide episodes that took a toll on public health and the local economy.
“Hurricane Milton’s impact on water flow and nutrient distribution could be a contributing factor to this intensified bloom,” said Dr. Angela Marquez, a marine biologist with the Sarasota Marine Institute. “When combined with existing nutrient pollution, the disturbance from a major storm can provide a ripe environment for red tide proliferation.”
As monitoring continues, environmental agencies are exploring both immediate relief measures and longer-term solutions to mitigate red tide blooms exacerbated by hurricanes. Community leaders are urging residents and visitors to stay informed by checking local news and FWC updates on beach and air quality conditions, especially as red tide can worsen respiratory issues in vulnerable individuals.
With both the visible and financial impacts still being felt from Hurricane Milton, the region remains hopeful for relief from the compounded challenges facing Southwest Florida’s coastal communities.